The Central Council of Architecture of the Ministry of Environment and Energy decided to classify the use of IDEAL and ASTOR cinemas as preserved.

In particular, the council during its meeting on Friday 28/04/2023 examined the history of the two cinemas and the procedure followed after the publication of the explanatory reports, the views of the bodies involved and the objections that had been submitted, the opinions of the competent services and ruled as follows:

It characterizes the use of the historic IDEAL cinema as preserved which operates in a building located in the surrounding area of ​​the listed buildings, the German Archaeological Institute of Athens, the Prokesch Von Osten building formerly the Hellenic Conservatory and the Schliemann Mela Palace. The operation of other cultural uses as well as the use of the Conference Center will be allowed in the areas of the preserved use of the cinema. The approval of the Central Council of Architecture is accompanied by conditions regarding the Master Plan proposal for the Eleftheriou Venizelos plot (University) 46 for the architectural morphology, massing, zoning, modification, reconstruction and the definition of the boundaries of the area occupied by the preserved use in new building facilities, in the context of the proximity to the surrounding preserved buildings. The terms aim to underline the relationship of movie theaters, places of culture with the identity of the local society and also with the physiognomy of the center of Athens. Maintaining this use contributes to highlighting this landmark, which is inextricably linked to the historical, architectural and cultural life of the city.

It characterizes the use of the historic ASTOR cinema as preserved which operates in a building located on the ground floor of a seven-story building (6 floors and a loft with a roof), classified as a preserved (Government Gazette 314/D/21-05-84) and a work of art (Government Gazette 331/B/9-06-81) , under the name “Ephesian Palace”.

The matter was introduced for discussion at KESA following the letter sent in December 2022 by the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni to the Minister of Environment and Energy Kostas Skrekas, as based on the current institutional framework, the competence of the declaration of preserved use belongs exclusively to the Ministry of the Interior.

It should be noted that the characterization of the uses of 47 summer cinemas and two summer cinema buildings with YA 20768/4198/9-7-1997 – Official Gazette 648/D/25-7-1997, was also done by the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Affairs Ergon.

KESA assessed that the preservation of cultural uses in historic buildings of the city gives added value to the development of the respective property and considers that investment plans for the utilization of the historical building stock of Athens should go hand in hand with the promotion of historical memory and artistic value, as mutual economic benefits arise. The loss of an important cultural activity for the city of Athens, whose value in measurable and immeasurable terms, is very high, should not be compromised.